Advancing Cambodian Security Through SALW Decommissioning
Our Origin Story
The Golden West Humanitarian Foundation (GWHF) Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) program has deep roots, tracing back to our successful pilot program in Honduras, circa 2011. There, we addressed a significant stockpile of excess and historic weapons, including old flintlock firearms (like the Brown Bess musket!), and more modern cartel weapons captured by police and security services. With funding support by the Organization of American States (OAS), we deployed dry cutters, chop saws, acetylene torches on trailers and took them on the road to various police stations, where we systematically destroyed these weapons. The program’s success laid the groundwork for our current operations in Cambodia.
The Cambodian Initiative: A Model of Progress
In Cambodia, Golden West has significantly advanced our capabilities from those early days in Honduras. Our operations are centered at the secure K4 Depot site, managed by the RCAF. This collaboration has led to the recent destruction of the program’s 30,000th foreign military weapon, with the count rapidly approaching 35,000. Funded by the U.S. State Department’s Office of Weapons Removal and Abatement (WRA) and supported by the Royal Government of Cambodia, this program aims to eliminate excess stockpiles of SALW, reducing the risk of their regional proliferation.
Decommissioning begins with a breakdown of
each weapon
each weapon
A variety of SALW parts being cut with the
circular saw
circular saw
US Ambassador Murphy cutting weapons using the hydraulic press
The weapons we decommission include those cached in the jungles, and recovered by CMAC during demining operations, and old stocks of Cambodian weaponry. These arms, remnants of past conflicts such as the Vietnam War, the fight for independence from the French, and the Khmer wars.
Promoting Security and Accountability
Our efforts focus on collecting, and destroying these weapons, many of which are in poor condition due to years of neglect. A critical aspect of our work involves meticulous record-keeping and historical documentation of the destroyed weapons. This process ensures that each weapon is accounted for, enhancing transparency and accountability. The collaboration between GWHF, RCAF, and CMAC fosters a culture of responsibility and professionalism, contributing to greater security in Cambodia and the region.
Together, we are preventing these weapons finding their way back into the system. By managing the equipment and overseeing the quality control of the destruction process, we ensure that no ammunition is left intact and that all weapons are irreversibly destroyed.
Sustainable Practices: Smelting Steel for a Better Future
One of the innovative aspects of our program is the repurposing of materials from the decommissioned weapons. While the wooden stocks are often rotten, the steel components remain of excellent quality. We are now setting up a heavy-duty smelter to recycle this steel, transforming it into quality recycled material for use by Cambodian industry. This initiative not only promotes sustainability but also supports local economic development.
To facilitate this process, we are addressing logistical challenges such as ensuring sufficient power supply to the site, reinforcing floors, and providing adequate ventilation for the smelting operations. The RCAF controls the recycled steel, which is then sold to support Cambodian industries, marking a full circle of resource utilization and economic benefit.
Continuing the Mission
Our mission is far from over. There are an additional 25,000 SALW and 250,000 projectiles, rockets, bombs, and bullets already lined up for decommissioning. As we continue this vital work, we remain committed to promoting security, transparency, and sustainability.
Golden West Humanitarian Foundation’s SALW decommissioning program in Cambodia is a testament to our dedication to innovation, collaboration, and responsible arms management. By working closely with the RCAF, CMAC, and WRA we have achieved significant milestones and set a standard for future initiatives. Our efforts not only enhance regional security but also contribute to global peace and stability.
Together, we are making a difference, one weapon at a time.
A selection of decommissioned weapons, cleaned and displayed in the SALW centre